Amid the escalating farmers protest in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called on the central government to adopt the cooperative approach in the matter. “Contentious issues are best resolved through dialogue,” he stated.
He also urged the centre to engage with the farmer unions to get the matter resolved. “Wars may be fought, but disputes are ultimately resolved on the table. Farmers are citizens of this country, and their concerns are easily addressed earnestly,” he added.
Notably, the Chief Minister made the statements on Thursday, January 2, 2025, while addressing the media at the Khanauri and Sambhu Borders. Expressing his disagreement, CM Bhagwant Mann categorically rejected the Centre’s draft of the Agriculture Marketing Policy. He suggested that the policy would be launched in another state first, before initiating it in Punjab.
“If it succeeds, let us know. Punjab will consider it then,” he said. CM Mann affirmed his commitment to the state, ensuring the protection and well-being of protesting farmers, including farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.
This is to be added that Dallewal has been on hunger strike for the past 38 days, demanding the Centre’s amendment in the MSP and other agricultural policies.
CM Maan’s support and commitment in the matter came following the Supreme Court’s orders to the state.
What were the Supreme Court’s orders?
The Supreme Court earlier objected to the Punjab government hospitalizing the farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal while pulling out the protesting farmers. Furthermore, the supreme court also slammed the state government for not taking stringent action in the matter.
CM Mann Criticized BJP Government
The Chief Minister further criticized the BJP government for not engaging with farmers plans after securing re-elections. He also expressed his concerns over the Centre’s plans to reintroduce and repeal the farm laws. He asserted that such actions undermine trust.
Further, CM Mann also urged the farmers to avoid taking decisions like Punjab Bandh while highlighting the financial and logistical losses, including the loss of Rs 100 crore during the last bandh.
CM Mann on Jagjit Singh Dallewal
He said that the farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike entered the 38th day. CM Maan also stressed that the Punjab government has repeatedly tried to facilitate dialogue, but most demands are under the centre’s preview. He expressed his concern over Dallewal’s deteriorating health and shared that he had personally requested that he prioritize his health and well-being, given the prolonged nature of the struggle.
Additionally, CM Mann also highlighted the Punjab government’s commitment to support the protesting farmers. He emphasized the efforts, including converting a nearby haveli into a makeshift hospital and deploying a dedicated medical team at the protest site.
He also criticized the centre’s expectation of the state government to forcibly take Dallewal to the hospital, pointing to these measures as impractical and counterproductive. Instead, he urged the centre to engage all stakeholders in the dialogue for the solution.
“India aspires to become a global leader. Resolving disputes with our own farmers is a step toward that goal,” he stated.
Kanishka Malhotra is a seasoned journalist with a deep passion for reporting and uncovering the truth. With a specialization in research and investigative Journalism, she has covered wide range of topics related to social issues, travel, lifestyle, technology, Entertainment and much more. She believes to express and share her creativity to the world through words. With relentless pursuit of knowing and uncovering the truth, Kanishka continues to leave a mark in the world of journalism.
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